Nutritional Support for Fertility: The Role of Vitamin D, CoQ10, Nicotinamide Riboside, Fish Oil, and Electrolytes in Optimizing Fertility
East Bay Acupuncture Recommends Common Fertility Supplements for Trying to Conceive
Fertility and pregnancy depend on many interconnected factors, from hormone balance, egg and sperm quality, to energy levels and overall well-being. While no supplement can guarantee conception or a healthy baby, certain nutrients have been shown to help create a stronger foundation for reproductive health.
There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation list for acupuncture patients, and not all supplements are good for everyone. In our initial intake, we take our time with your health history and trying to conceive goals to suggest the correct fertility supplements, nutritional support, and lifestyle recommendations. Make sure to check with your provider to see if the following supplements are right for you.
At East Bay Acupuncture, our Oakland acupuncture team specializes in combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern nutritional and lifestyle strategies to help optimize your body’s natural fertility potential. Among the most beneficial nutrients for reproductive wellness are vitamin D, CoQ10, nicotinamide riboside, fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), and electrolytes. Each plays a unique role in hormone balance, egg and sperm quality, and the overall environment for conception and pregnancy.
Vitamin D for Fertility: Supporting Hormonal Balance and Reproductive Function
Vitamin D is more than just the “sunshine vitamin.” It acts like a hormone in the body, influencing ovulation, egg quality, and even implantation. Sufficient vitamin D levels help regulate reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are vital for regular menstrual cycles and preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy.
As you prepare for a healthy pregnancy, optimal vitamin D levels support ovulation, the development of healthy eggs, and a more receptive uterine lining for implantation. For our sperm health patients, Vitamin D has been associated with healthier testosterone levels and improved sperm motility.
CoQ10: Supporting Cellular Energy for Trying to Conceive
Coenzyme Q10 is one of the most common supplements recommended to fertility patients to help improve egg quality and sperm health. a naturally occurring antioxidant that supports mitochondrial energy production within every cell. Egg and sperm cells require substantial energy for maturation, and more energy is needed for fertilization and early embryo development.
As natural CoQ10 levels decline with age, supplementation to optimize fertility may help improve cellular energy, protect against oxidative stress, and support healthier eggs and sperm. CoQ10 is a particularly important supplement for women with diminished ovarian reserve and for those with reduced or poor sperm quality.
Nicotinamide Riboside: Promoting Cellular Renewal for Fertility
Nicotinamide Riboside, a form of vitamin B3, enhances your body’s production of NAD⁺, a molecule vital for energy metabolism and DNA repair. Maintaining healthy NAD⁺ levels supports the mitochondrial function essential for nourishing growing eggs and helps protect against oxidative damage that can negatively impact reproductive cells.
While research on nicotinamide and fertility is still growing, it’s a promising supplement for those hoping to enhance cellular health and slow down the effects of aging on reproduction. Supporting your body’s natural repair systems can also promote healthier early embryo development and, ultimately, better pregnancy outcomes.
Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids): Enhancing Hormone and Fetal Health
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, plays a vital role in hormone balance, inflammation control, and the health of every cell membrane in your body. These healthy fats support blood flow to your reproductive organs, promote regular ovulation, and improve egg quality. Omega-3s can even help implantation rates by creating a more receptive uterine environment for implantation. For sperm health, omega-3s contribute to better sperm count, shape, and motility.
Once pregnancy is achieved, DHA is crucial for your baby’s developing brain, eyes, and nervous system, making omega-3s an important nutrient before and during pregnancy.
Electrolytes: Foundations of Hydration and Cellular Communication
When we think of fertility, electrolytes may not be the first thing that comes to mind! However, they’re essential for overall reproductive health. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium all help maintain proper hydration, of course, but they are also critical for nerve signaling and hormone balance.
Good hydration also supports cervical mucus production (important for sperm transport when trying to conceive), helps the uterus maintain a receptive environment for implantation, and supports overall cellular communication. Keeping your electrolytes balanced can also boost your energy, reduce stress on your body, and optimize your internal environment for conception and pregnancy.
Building a Foundation for Fertility and Healthy Pregnancy
Optimal fertility requires a holistic, individualized approach. Nutrients such as vitamin D, CoQ10, nicotinamide riboside, fish oil, and electrolytes work together to promote healthy hormone function, protect reproductive cells, and support early fetal development. But there is not usually a one-size-fits-all recommendation when it comes to fertility supplements, so we recommend always checking with your provider before starting a supplement plan.
At East Bay Acupuncture, we provide personalized fertility care for individuals and couples throughout the East Bay, Berkeley, and Oakland areas. Our integrative approach combines fertility acupuncture, nutritional optimization, and evidence-informed wellness strategies to help you prepare your body for conception and create the healthiest possible start for your baby.
Book Your Consultation at East Bay Acupuncture
If you’re planning to conceive or are currently undergoing fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, our experienced ABORM-certified acupuncture team at East Bay Acupuncture can help you design a customized plan that supports your unique fertility goals. With our combined almost 60 years of experience supporting patients who are struggling to conceive, we are confident that our collaborative care can support you as you navigate fertility treatment.
Book your fertility consultation or give us a call today to learn how fertility acupuncture, nutrition, and holistic care can enhance your infertility journey and increase your chances of a pregnancy and a healthy baby.